Utility box for automobile painter

ABSTRACT

An enclosed storage device for the storage and safekeeping of gravity-fed automobile spray guns is described which provides an enclosure within which a plurality of gravity-fed automobile spray guns may be physically supported and stored between uses. The enclosed storage device is generally rectangular in shape. The device has a lid composed of two sections and joined by a hinge. Upon raising the lid, the lid has a means of folding and retracting into a section generally located at the rear of the storage device. The lifting and retraction of the lid serves to expose an internal storage area designated for the storage of gravity-fed automobile spray guns, a compartmentalized storage area generally located at the uppermost section of the enclosure, a plurality of handles for transport of said device, a plurality of storage compartments located generally at the rear of the enclosed storage device, an internal storage compartment capable of extending past the storage device and also capable of retracting within the bottommost section of the storage device, a retracting surface that is generally horizontal capable of extending outwards from the storage device for use as a physically stable platform, and a plurality of platforms generally located at the ends of the storage device designed to revolve about an axis from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal position for use as a physically stable platform.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates generally to the field of automobile painting and restoration. More specifically it relates to gravity-fed automobile spray guns used by professional automobile painters to apply a paint solution, which require a means of storage and safekeeping.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Gravity-fed automobile spray guns have been in use for many years for the application of paints and paint solutions by professional automobile painters. While painting a vehicle it is necessary that a painter's tools and spray guns be stored temporarily while certain parts or sections of a vehicle are being prepared for the painting process. Therefore, there have, over the years, been innumerable methods for storing or providing physical support for said spray guns, ranging from hanging wires to makeshift support stands.

[0003] Although these methods have sufficed for many years, there are shortcomings in that although they may serve to store such spray guns, they offer little protection from the working environments said spray guns operate within. Additionally, previously used methods for storage lack appropriate means of storing additional tools and equipment used by professional automobile painters, such as air files, sanders, hand tools, air-powered tools or spray gun components such as needles, tips and heads. This invention provides a means for storage and protection in the form of a toolbox for use by automobile painters.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention provides professional automobile painters a convenient and effective system for the storage and protection of automobile spray guns and other required specialized tools. The invention is portable and may be transported from site to site of use as required by the painter. The storage sections within are specialized for automobile painters and are designed to accommodate the specialized tools, automobile spray guns, and components necessary to successfully complete a project. The internal holding devices provide a stable physical support and protective environment for gravity-fed automobile spray guns. The invention includes a hinged lid to close off the invention and is capable of folding and being retracted within a cavity located at the rear of the invention. Once open, the invention can be used to store and retrieve spray guns and other tools and equipment, while also providing platforms on which equipment or tools may be placed when not in use.

[0005] When not in use, the invention is able to easily return to its original state, which may then be transported easily and efficiently. The lid also contains a locking mechanism for additional protection of the tools and equipment within. The opening and use of the invention from a closed state is simple and may be accomplished with minimal effort.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a new and improved enclosed storage device for automobile painters.

[0007] It is another object of the invention to provide a new and improved enclosed storage device for automobile painters that will hold within a plurality of automobile spray guns of varying shapes and sizes.

[0008] It is a further object of the invention to provide a new and improved enclosed storage device for automobile painters that is convenient and easy to use.

[0009] It is still another object of the invention to provide a new and improved enclosed storage device for automobile painters that is easily secured and transported.

[0010] It is still further an object of the invention to provide a new and improved enclosed storage device for automobile painters that will allow quick and easy access to tools and equipment specifically used by automobile painters both during and after use.

[0011] These and other advantages, features and objects of the invention will become more apparent from the following description taken in connection with the illustrative embodiment in the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view with portions being broken away of the enclosed storage device for automobile painters as embodied in the subject invention in a closed position and illustrates the main components of the device;

[0013]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the enclosed storage device for automobile painters that illustrate the invention as embodied in the subject invention whereas the invention is ready for use.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a partial top view of the holding device used within the enclosed storage device for automobile painters as embodied in the subject invention and illustrates the area within which the automobile spray guns are to be held in place;

[0015]FIG. 4 is side elevation with portions being broken away of the enclosed storage device for automobile painters as embodied in the subject invention showing the locations of the storage compartments and trays as well as the general position of the automobile spray guns while stored.

[0016]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the enclosed storage device for automobile painters whereas the lid section is being lifted prior to use;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the enclosed storage device for automobile painters whereas the lid section is in a generally vertical position after being folded;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the enclosed storage device for automobile painters whereas the lid section is in a generally vertical position and has been retracted within a cavity located at the rear of the invention prior to use;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a top view of the enclosed storage device for automobile painters with parts of the tray section being broken away to show the general locations of the holding devices used to support and secure the automobile spray guns;

[0020]FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 7 showing the locations and positions of the holding device and it's mechanical means of attachment and adjustment to the rear wall of the section designated to hold the automobile spray guns.

[0021]FIG. 10 is a side view with portions being broken away of a possible embodiment of the invention whereas the invention is comprised of a structure containing a vertical face capable of holding multiple spray guns enclosed by a removable casing.

[0022]FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a holding mechanism for the support and storage of automobile spray guns.

[0023]FIG. 12 is a side view of a possible embodiment of a holding mechanism for the support and storage of automobile spray guns.

[0024]FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a possible embodiment of a holding mechanism for the support and storage of automobile spray guns.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0025] Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the enclosed storage device for automobile painters as embodied in the subject invention is generally indicated at 10. The enclosed storage device includes a housing that is generally rectangular in design indicated at 11. The housing is preferably formed of a suitable rigid metal material and can be constructed by any suitable means to define a rectangular housing 11, an interior chamber 16, interior walls 34 and 44, a cavity generally located at the rear of the housing 45, a compartmentalized storage area 17, a large storage area 19 which includes a horizontal supporting member 35 within, a plurality of mounting means 37, and a lower section formed as to adequately contain a sliding storage drawer 26 and sliding table, and two recessed sections 30 on lateral sides of the invention.

[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the enclosed storage device for automobile painters also contains two handles 32 of adequate design for lifting and transporting the invention, a segmented lid generally indicated at 12, a plurality of holding devices 24 located within the interior chamber 16, a pair of lateral platforms 28, and two platform releases 31. The segmented lid generally indicated at 12 is composed of a superior lid section 13, a vertical lid section 14, and a connecting hinge 43. The vertical lid section 14 includes a locking mechanism 18 and a pair of handles 15 specifically for lifting and positioning the lid 12.

[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the enclosed storage device for automobile painters, while in a closed state, is configured to securely store and protect a plurality of gravity-fed automobile spray guns generally indicated at 21, an automobile painter's toolbox indicated at 20, and other tools and equipment a painter shall need to store or protect. The gravity-fed automobile spray guns generally indicated at 21 are comprised of two sections, an air-fed spray gun 22 and a liquid paint reservoir 23. Each such spray gun, generally indicated at 21, to be held within the enclosure is secured by a holding device 24. The holding devices indicated at 24 are comprised of a body section indicated at 38, a gripping area indicated at 41, and an aperture indicated at 42. Each spray gun 21 is to be physically placed within said holding device 24 wherein the lowermost section of the liquid paint reservoir 23 section of the spray gun lies within said aperture 42. In this manner, the spray gun generally indicated at 21 will be held in place by the holding device 24 in a generally vertical position.

[0028] Referring now specifically to FIG. 4, the enclosed storage device for automobile painters, while not in use and in a closed state includes a folding tray indicates at 28, upon which there is adhered a non-skid material indicated at 29. Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is a cavity located at the rear of the enclosure, indicated at 45. Said cavity 45 is to be used in the folding and retracting of the segmented lid generally indicated at 12. Said lid 12 is permitted to move within said cavity 45 by means of a rolling mechanism 39.

[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the enclosed storage device for automobile painters, during use requires the folding and retraction of a segmented lid section generally indicated at 12. A locking mechanism indicated at 18 may be utilized and must be disengaged prior to use. The folding lid section 12, comprised of a superior lid section 13 and a vertical section 14 will fold about a shared hinge indicated at 43. The segmented lid 12 may be lifted by use of a plurality of handles indicated at 15. As the segmented lid 12 is raised it will pivot about a rolling mechanism indicated at 39. Upon reaching a generally vertical state as illustrated in FIG. 6, the segmented lid section 12 will be folded about the shared hinge 43 so that both the superior 13 and vertical 14 lid sections are generally vertical. The rolling mechanism 39 is then utilized to retract the segmented lid section 12 as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, the enclosed storage device for automobile painters is designed to hold a plurality of gravity-fed automobile spray guns generally indicated at 21. Said spray gun 21 may be mounted as required within the interior chamber indicated at 16 by means of a holding device indicated at 24. The holding device 24 is secured to the interior chamber indicated at 16 through a vertical mounting wall indicated at 34. A plurality of mounting means indicated at 37 are located between said vertical mounting wall 34 and an adjacent vertical support wall indicated at 44. Said holding device 24 may be secured in place by an anchoring means indicated at 36 and said mounting means 37. Multiple mounting means 37 are provided as to allow adjustability when securing said holding devices 24.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 10, a possible embodiment of the invention is designed as to hold multiple gravity-fed automobile spray guns generally indicated at 21. Such spray guns 21 are to be physically secured in place by a plurality of holding devices 24 which are connected by mechanical or other means to a vertical mounting wall indicated at 47. Said vertical mounting wall 47 is located within a structure generally indicated at 40 and is perpendicular to the bottom face of the structure indicated at 46. The structure 40 and vertical mounting wall 47 are covered by a casing which is comprised of an outer wall indicated at 48, a plurality of locking mechanisms indicated at 49 for securing said casing 48 to the structure 40, and a handle indicated at 50 for lifting and transporting the invention.

[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, the holding device for securing a gravity-fed automobile spray gun may vary in design and mechanics while maintaining a functional role within the invention. One may implement a forked holding device generally indicated at 50, attached to a vertical mounting wall indicated at 34, wherein a plurality of prongs indicated at 51 are formed as to create a receiving area indicated at 52 suitable for the introduction of a spray gun. One may also implement a means of containment generally indicated at 53 and attached to a vertical mounting wall indicated at 34, in which a spray gun generally indicated at 21 may be held. Said means of containment is comprised of a flexible container indicated at 54 made of a suitable material for storage of a spray gun 21 and a rigid support member indicated at 55 formed as to create an aperture for the introduction of a spray gun 21. One may also use a mechanical holding device generally indicated at 54 for securing a spray gun. Such mechanical holding device would be attached to a vertical mounting wall indicated at 34 by a stationary member indicated at 56. A secondary member indicated at 55 pivots about an axis indicated at 57 at which point a mechanical spring indicated at 58 would undergo physical tension. The said motion of the secondary member 55 also increases the physical size of an aperture, indicated at 59, as to allow for the introduction of a spray gun. Upon release of a spray gun, the mechanical spring 58 would release its physical tension and would return the secondary member 55 to its original position about the axis 57.

[0033] While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodiments in the invention, it may be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for use in storage of tools and equipment by professional automobile painters wherein: the apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms on either side connected by a hinge; the apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms on either side of the apparatus that rotate from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal position about an axis;
 2. Apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of platforms that will be secured in a vertical position by means of a locking mechanism.
 3. A method for storing and securing materials within a casing wherein: the method comprises a segmented lid comprised of two sections connected by a hinge; the method comprises the lifting and folding of a segmented lid about an axis generally located at the rear of such casing; the casing includes a cavity specifically for the introduction of a generally vertical folded lid after pivoting about an axis generally located at the top of said cavity;
 4. Method of storage of claim 3, wherein the lid is secured in a closed position by means of a locking mechanism.
 5. Method of storage of claim 3, wherein the lid is comprised of three or more sections connected by hinges.
 6. An casing forming a utility box for use in the storage of tools and equipment by professional automobile painters wherein: the casing for the storage of spray guns having two sides, back, bottom, top and an open front; the casing being open opposite the back for the introduction and removal of a plurality of spray guns; the casing includes an internal face between the open face and the back form wherein the internal face of said casing allows for the mounting of holding devices capable of supporting and storing multiple automobile spray guns;
 7. Casing of claim 6, wherein the casing having six sides or more, in which one or more faces may be removed or similarly opened to allow access to the internal sections of said casing.
 8. Casing of claim 6, wherein the casing comprises a means of securing holding devices against an internal face by mechanical means.
 9. Casing of claim 6, wherein the casing comprises a means of securing holding devices against an internal face by non-mechanical means such as magnetically or through the use of adhesive solutions.
 10. Casing of claim 6, wherein the casing comprises a means of securing holding devices against an internal face by mechanical or non-mechanical means in a manner that would allow the holding devices to be removed.
 11. Casing of claim 6, wherein the casing comprises a means of securing holding devices against an internal face by mechanical or non-mechanical means in a manner that would allow the adjustment in position of said holding devices.
 12. Casing of claim 6, wherein the casing is stationary in nature and may not be easily moved or transported;
 13. An structure forming a utility tray for use in the storage of tools and equipment by professional automobile painters wherein: the structure for the storage of spray guns having four sides, bottom, and an open top; the structure being open opposite the bottom for the introduction and removal of a plurality of spray guns; the structure includes an a vertical face bisecting the bottom face wherein the vertical face of said structure allows for the mounting of holding devices capable of supporting and storing multiple automobile spray guns; the structure is enclosed by a removable casing comprised of four sides, top, and an open bottom. 